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Abstract:

A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an
elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum
surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a
second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge
attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference
assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the
deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface
relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second
removable reference assembly.

Claims:

1. A portable device for measuring a deflection of a surface, comprising:
an elongate frame having a first end, a second end, and a first datum
surface; a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end; a
second removable reference assembly adjacent the second end; a deflection
gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable
reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly; and
wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures the deflection of the
surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second
removable reference assembly.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the
elongate frame.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first reference assembly includes a
first contact support, adjustable relative to a second datum surface on
the first reference assembly and the second reference assembly includes a
second contact support, adjustable relative to a third datum surface on
the second reference assembly.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the deflection gauge is calibrated
relative to the first contact support and the second contact support.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the second datum surface and the third
datum surface are adjacent the first datum surface.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the first contact support includes a
first insulation means for electronic insulation from the surface and the
second contact support includes a second insulation means for electronic
insulation from the surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the deflection gauge is one of the
group of acoustic, mechanical, and optical.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first extension having a
fourth datum surface, attached to the first end of the elongate frame; a
second extension having a fifth datum surface, attached to the second end
of the elongate frame; and wherein the first reference assembly is
attached to the first extension and the second reference assembly is
attached to the second end and wherein the fourth datum surface and the
fifth datum surface are adjacent the first datum surface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first extension includes a first
coupling means for engaging the elongate frame to orient the first
removable reference assembly relative to the deflection gauge and wherein
the second extension includes a second coupling means for engaging the
elongate frame to orient the second removable reference assembly relative
to the deflection gauge.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising: a third extension having a
sixth datum surface, attached to the first extension; a fourth extension
having a seventh datum surface, attached to the second extension; and
wherein the sixth datum surface is adjacent the fourth datum surface and
the seventh datum surface is adjacent the fifth datum surface.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first extension having a
third reference assembly, removably coupled to the elongate frame; a
second extension having a fourth reference assembly, removably coupled to
the elongate frame; and wherein the deflection gauge is calibrated
relative to the third reference assembly and the fourth reference
assembly.

12. A portable device for measuring a deflection of a surface and
operable by a single user, comprising: a rigid elongate frame member; a
first foot adjustably attached to the elongate frame member; a second
foot adjustably attached to the elongate frame member; a measuring tool
attached to the elongate frame member; a probe associated with the
elongate frame member; and wherein the measuring tool measures the
deflection of the surface by the probe touching the surface.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a handle attached to the
elongate frame member.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the elongate frame member further
comprises weight reduction cutouts.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the first foot and the second foot
are coplanar.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the measuring tool is attached
between the first foot and the second foot.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the measuring tool is calibrated
relative to the height of the first foot and the second foot.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the measuring tool includes a memory
for storing a deflection value.

19. A method for measuring a deflection of a surface, utilizing a
portable device for measuring the deflection comprising: an elongate
frame member having a plurality of weight reduction holes, a first foot
adjustably attached to the elongate frame member, a second foot
adjustably attached to the elongate frame member, a measuring tool
attached to the elongate frame member between the first foot and the
second foot; the method comprising the steps of: operating the measuring
tool to determine the deflection of the surface.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of calibrating
the measuring tool relative to the first foot and the second foot.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of calibrating the measuring
tool further comprises the steps of: placing the first foot and second
foot against a reference surface; adjusting the first foot and the second
foot so that the elongate frame member is parallel with the reference
surface; and measuring a distance to the reference surface using the
measuring tool.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of calibrating the measuring
tool further comprises the steps of: placing the first foot and second
foot against a known flat surface; adjusting the first foot and the
second foot, so that the elongate frame member is parallel with the known
flat surface; lowering the measuring tool to rest against the known flat
surface; and adjusting the measuring tool to read zero as it rests
against the known flat surface.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/590,552 filed Nov. 10, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to measurement of surface
deflection of vertical surfaces and, more specifically, to measurement of
deflection of a window or door frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In many fields, it is often necessary to measure the amount that a
vertical surface or frame has been bent or deflected. Such a situation
arises in disaster recovery in response to wind damage or other accidents
or natural disasters. Measurement of damage is necessitated by retrofit
procedures which may be required as well as insurance recovery and
insurance adjustment.

[0004] One of the major problems in measuring the deflection over longs
spans, such as in large window frames, is the lack of convenient,
portable tools to measure the deflection. A typical tool available is a
mason's bubble level as well known in the art. A bubble level determines
whether a surface is level and plumb (truly vertical or horizontal), but
does not quantify the deflection of the surface.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,338 to Majors discloses an expandable screed
level. The level has an open rectangular cross section and uses liquid
bubble levels to determine slope. The device is expandable by adding
additional sections at either end. The additional sections attach by
means of a smaller rectangular cross section that fits inside the main
body. The additional sections are retained in position by use of a
latching mechanism. However, Majors makes no provision for measuring the
displacement of a warp in a frame.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,011 to Scarborough et al discloses an
expandable level. The level is expandable as a straight level, a square,
a T-square and other shapes. Additional sections are added to the main
body through a tongue and groove arrangement. A pressure screw is
tightened to lock the pieces together. The device measures slope through
use of liquid bubble levels. Each expansion piece contains at least one
level. However, no provision for measuring deflection of a frame is
provided.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,848 to Armstrong discloses an improved
alignment gauge to check misalignment of the body of a vehicle. The
device determines the distance between various physical points on the
vehicle in order to aid in proper alignment. The device consists of a
needle indicator attached at one end of a beam. The beam supports a
horizontal and vertical liquid bubble level. The invention produces a
precise result, but does not address the problems of ease of transport
and use. It does not measure deflection along a long linear surface.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,022 to Aarhus discloses an extendable level.
Telescopic extensions are contained within a main body of the level
extension. Each terminates in an end piece. The extensions are supported
by cross members. Each cross member and the main body includes a liquid
bubble level. The invention does not measure depth or deflection.

[0009] U.S. Publication No. 2003/0033722 to Lanham discloses a telescopic
leveling instrument having a body and telescopic extensions. The
telescopic extensions are oriented horizontally or vertically. The
extensions are marked to allow distance measurement. The main body
includes a bubble level. The device does not measure depth or deflection
perpendicular to the surface.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,480 to Chek discloses a device to measure the
amount of deviation of a patient's facial symmetry from a "standardized
norm." The device consists of a rod shaped base and a portable probe that
is movable horizontally. The base is placed against a patient's sternum
and maintained at horizontal by monitoring a liquid bubble level. The
probe is then set against various facial features and the horizontal and
radial distance from the sternum to the probe is measured. However, the
device does not provide a means to measure depth between two points on a
particular surface or over long distances. Further, the device is
incapable of measuring multiple points of deflection at the same time.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,443 to Hamilton, et al. discloses a vehicle
alignment system. The system includes fittings connected to beams that
allow access to a vehicle, while maintaining the measurement surfaces in
horizontal or vertical orientation. Lasers are used to project X, Y and Z
coordinates. The device is not portable. The device also does not provide
a means to measure deflection of a freestanding vertical beam.

[0012] The prior art does not address the problem of measuring deflection
in a vertical beam by a single individual. It is difficult and unwieldy
for a single individual to hold prior art devices against such a window
frame and measure the deflection accurately or consistently.

[0013] Therefore, a need exists for a device for measuring deflection of
large surfaces, including window frames, which can be operated
single-handedly. A need also exists for a deflection measurement device,
which is portable and may be used in the field. Still further, a need
exists for a simple uncomplicated device to measure deflection of a
vertical beam at or around its center point. A further need exists for a
device which is expandable to fit both large and small spans, without the
need for additional tooling or calibration. A still further need exists
for a device to measure many points of deflection over a surface
simultaneously between a pair of reference points.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In one embodiment, the device comprises an elongate frame having an
adjustable reference assembly located at each end. A gauge is located
centrally in the elongate frame and positioned to measure a deflection
from two calibrated reference assemblies. A centrally located handle is
provided for ease of use, allowing a single individual to hold the device
and manipulate the measurement gauge.

[0015] Expansion sleeves are provided that attach precisely and rigidly to
each end of the frame in order to expand the span of the device. The
reference assemblies are then removed and placed at the end of the
additional lengths. The reference assemblies are designed and constructed
so that re-calibration is not required. In another embodiment, the
additional lengths incorporate additional pre-calibrated reference
assemblies.

[0016] In another embodiment, the deflection at several locations along a
given frame may be measured by repositioning the support frame, or, in
another embodiment, by employing several gauges simultaneously.

[0017] In use, the device is first calibrated. Then, the reference
assemblies are positioned against a span of window frame or other surface
by manipulation of the elongate frame. The gauge in the elongate frame
provides a reading of deflection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Like pieces in different drawings carry the same
number.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial section side view of a preferred embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 3a is a side view of a preferred embodiment that includes
expansion sleeves.

[0022] FIG. 3b is a side view of several expansion sleeves of different
lengths.

[0023] FIG. 3c is an assembly view of the elongate frame and an expansion
sleeve.

[0024]FIG. 3d is a partial section view of the elongate frame and an
expansion sleeve.

[0025] FIG. 3e is a partial section view of the adjustable reference
assembly.

[0026] FIG. 3f is a top view of a mounting block.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detail view of a latch mechanism.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6A is a side view of a preferred embodiment resting against a
surface in a deflection state.

[0030] FIG. 6B is a side view of a preferred embodiment resting against a
surface in a deflection state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device includes elongate frame 1.
Elongate frame 1 is a rectangular tube having a base length of
approximately three feet. Bottom surface 1a of elongate frame 1 in a
preferred embodiment is machined flat. The flat surface forms a first
datum surface. Elongate frame 1 has a plurality of weight reduction holes
4. Center cavity 6 is supplied for mounting of gauge 2. End caps 30 and
31 are solid aluminum billets that are sized to fit precisely into the
ends of the rectangular channel of elongate frame 1.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the end caps are epoxied in place and
machined flat and perpendicular to bottom surface 1a. The end caps are
perpendicular to bottom surface 1a. End caps 30 and 31 each contain holes
31a and 31b, sized to receive reference assemblies 15 and 16. End caps
further include guide holes 125 and 130. Recesses 47a and 48a are located
at each end of elongate frame 1. Catch support 225a resides in recess
47a. Catch support 226a resides in recess 48a.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, elongate frame 1 may be made from an
extrusion, milled from stock or cast. An aluminum magnesium alloy is
preferred for cost and weight considerations. However, elongate frame 1
may be constructed of other rigid materials capable of maintaining a very
low central beam deflection for moderate to light loads, on the order of
25 pounds. Lighter weight materials are preferred. For extremely high
precision applications, stainless steel or titanium may be employed,
resulting in extremely low deflections over large spans. Cross sectional
shapes can vary. In a preferred embodiment, an "I" beam extrusion is
employed having the highest rigidity to weight ratio available.
Rectangular and box extrusions are also preferred as having high
rigidity.

[0034] Handle 8 extends from the center of elongate frame 1. The handle is
centrally positioned between the reference assemblies to provide equal
pressure to the reference assemblies when in use and to facilitate ease
of positioning by a single user. Handle 8 is attached to the elongate
frame 1 using screws 8a and 8b passing through the inside of elongate
frame 1 or by welding. Other methods of removable or permanent attachment
may be employed as known in the art. A removable handle is preferred to
aid in compact storage for shipment.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, gauge 2 is a 543-683B electronic digital
indicator manufactured by Mitutoyo of Tokyo, Japan. Another viable option
is a depth gauge manufactured under part number CEN44345 and offered for
sale by Central Tools/Central Lighting. In another embodiment, the gauge
can include an electronic memory including time and date indexing so that
the time and date of measurements taken can be recorded. Furthermore,
gauge 2 may include a memory for alphanumeric tagging of each measurement
so that notes may be made as to the location of the window frame being
measured. In this embodiment, electronic downloading of this data is
provided to a laptop computer for later use. An RFID tag may be applied
to the physical window frame corresponding to the deflection tagging for
later positive location and correlation with the deflection measurement.

[0037] In another embodiment, gauge 2 may be an optical or acoustic
distance measuring device. An example of an optical measuring device is
Leica Disto's model 740690, which measures distance via a laser. An
example of an acoustic measuring device is the Intellimeasure model
77-018 from Stanley Tools, which measures distance via ultrasonic waves.
Other such measuring devices are known in the art and may include
wireless data capture via a computer. Gauge 2 may also include a button
to zero the readout at a given height during calibration.

[0038] While preferred embodiments of this device are described as having
a manually adjustable gauge, other gauges and measurement devices may be
utilized. Further, seals for moving parts are not required for all uses
and types of gauges.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3a, the span of the device may be increased by
adding extensions 40 and 41 to each end of elongate frame 1. Referring to
FIG. 3b, in a preferred embodiment, extensions 100, 105, and 110 are
different lengths of 3 inches, 6 inches and 12 inches, respectively.
Other lengths of extensions may be utilized. Extensions 100, 105 and 110
are constructed of hollow rectangular channel having solid ends 101a and
101b, 106a and 106b, and 111a and 111b. The solid ends are epoxied into
each end of each extension, respectively. Bottom surfaces 1009, 1089, and
1109 are each machined flat to match bottom surface 1a of elongate frame
1. The bottom surfaces form datum surfaces for calibration. Each solid
end is also machined to be perpendicular with the bottom surfaces.

[0040] Each extension includes a set of guide pins 115 and 120 and a set
of guide holes 116 and 121. Guide holes 116 and 121 are sized to provide
a close fit with guide pins 115 and 120. Guide pins 115 and 120 are
different diameters and different lengths so that the extensions may be
assembled with the elongate frame in the proper orientation.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3c, the guide pins are engaged with corresponding
guide holes until one or more extensions meets elongate frame 1. The
extensions are attached to the elongate frame singularly or in groups,
thereby variably extending the length spanned by the device.

[0043] Toggle support 205 resides in recess 47a located on each extension.
Toggle support 205 is secured in recess 47a with bolts 235a and 240a.
Toggle arm 245 is pivotally supported by toggle support 205 through hinge
pin 215. Toggle arm 245 includes toggle pin 220 which pivotally supports
latch 210. Each catch support is secured to the elongate frame by way of
retaining screws 235 and 240. Each catch support includes a catch 230.

[0044] By way of example, FIG. 4 shows the construction of catch support
226a and catch 230 as well as the location of the retaining screws 235
and 240. Catch support 226a and catch 230 are formed from stamped steel
plate in a preferred embodiment.

[0045] In another embodiment, each extension includes a pre-calibrated
reference assembly in relation to elongate frame 1.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3e and 3f, reference assemblies 15 and 16 are
attached to elongate frame 1. Elongate frame 1 also includes a set of
threaded holes for receiving mounting screws for reference assemblies 15
and 16. The threaded holes are shown by way of example in FIG. 3e as 120
and 121. Reference assemblies 15 and 16 include mounting blocks 3 and 5.
Referring to FIG. 3f, by example, the top surface of mounting block 50 is
machined flat to match the bottom surface 1a of the elongate frame. The
flat surfaces form second and third datum surfaces from which the device
is calibrated. Mounting blocks 3 and 5 are removably attached to elongate
frame 1. Mounting blocks 3 and 5 include holes 107 and 108. Bolts 52 and
54 pass through holes 107 and 108 in mounting blocks 3 and 5 and thread
into holes 120 and 121 in end cap 31. Each mounting block includes a
threaded hole shown as 17a for receiving a threaded contact support 18.
Threaded contact support 18 is retained in threaded hole 17a by locking
nut 14. The threads are standard ASTM pitch. In high precision
embodiments, threads with lesser pitch may be employed.

[0047] Each reference assembly further includes contact pad, shown by
example as 9. In a preferred embodiment, each contact pad includes a
flexible neoprene gasket. In other embodiments requiring greater
accuracy, each contact pad may be comprised of a suitable rigid material
such as nylon, delrin, aluminum or polished stainless steel. In
applications where static discharge or contact with high voltage is a
concern, the contact assemblies can be formed of bakelite or asbestos.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, when extensions are added, the mounting
blocks, along with contact assemblies 15 and 16 are removed from elongate
frame 1 and attached to an extension by use of threaded bolts 52 and 54.
Movement of contact supports 17 and 18 with respect to mounting blocks 3
and 5 is not required, and their calibrated height is retained by locking
nut 14. Thus, relocation of contact assemblies 15 and 16 onto the
extension without recalibration of gauge 2 is accomplished. Other
extensions are added in a similar manner.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the device is
configured to simultaneously take multiple measurements, such as when a
vertical surface has been deflected in more than one plane and/or in more
than one location. In this embodiment, gauges 51, 53, 55, 57, and 59
reside in holes 91, 93, 95, 97, and 99, respectively. Each gauge includes
a retention knob 61, 63, 65, 67, and 69, respectively, and probe 71, 73,
75, 77, and 79, respectively.

[0050] In use, the device must first be calibrated. To calibrate the
device, contact pads 7 and 9 are positioned on a flat calibration
surface. A gauge block of known height, typically half of the probe's
travel distance, is placed on the flat calibration surface and under the
machined bottom surface 1a of elongate frame 1. Contact supports 17 and
18 are adjusted until elongate frame 1 comes to rest on the gauge block.
Probe 12 of gauge 2 is spring loaded and provides a measurement of
deflection when contact pads 7 and 9 come to rest against the surface.
Gauge 2 is adjusted so that the gauge provides a neutral reading of the
calibration surface. If additional contact assemblies are included on the
extensions, they are attached to elongate frame 1 and calibrated in a
similar fashion.

[0051] In another calibration embodiment, the gauge blocks may be replaced
by a measurement device. A measurement device, such as a machinist square
or a set of calipers is used to determine the distance between contact
pads 7, 9 and machined bottom surface 1a. Contact pads 7 and 9 are then
placed against a flat calibration surface and gauge 2 is zeroed against
the surface. Alternatively, a measuring device may be used to set probe
12 at the same distance as contact pads 7 and 9. Probe 12 is then zeroed.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that zeroing of the
gauge and extensions may be accomplished utilizing a multitude of methods
without departing from the intent and scope of the invention.

[0052] Where gauge 2 has been properly calibrated, a positive displacement
reading will show a deflection of frame 20 inward 22 (away from the
device), a negative reading will show a deflection outward 24 (toward the
device) and a reading of zero will show no deflection.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in use, the device is positioned on a
vertical, free standing surface, such as frame 26. Contact pads 7 and 9
are located at the extremities of the vertical surface and positioned by
manipulating the elongate frame by the handle. Probe 12 meets frame 26
prior to either contact pad 7 or 9. As contact pads 7 and 9 move toward
the surface, gauge 2 makes a measurement. Generally, the device will be
located so that probe 12 meets frame 20 in the center, as this is often
the area of greatest deflection. However, the device may be used to
measure multiple locations along frame 26. Where RFID tag 20a is to be
employed, it is affixed to frame 20, and its serial number is recorded
and correlated with the deflection reading. In a multiple gauge
embodiment, once contact pads 7 and 9 have been positioned, readings from
each of the gauges may be taken and recorded simultaneously.

[0054] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed and remain within
the inventive concept. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover changes within
the scope and spirit of the claims.